From RDH Online Edition.
I’m glad it’s not only me who gets confused..
Fluoride works primarily through a systemic effect. Everyone knows that. Wait; no it doesn’t. It’s mostly topical; I saw some research. Wait! It does have a large systemic effect, I learned from some more research. Is that the only effect? No. Is it the major one? Oh my, maybe it’s both. Which effect is bigger? Does it vary by age? Who knows? Now what do I tell my students?
Well, at least I know that diet is of huge importance in controlling caries. I will tell them that. And food consistency is important — sticky is bad. No, soda pop is bad — but it’s not sticky. Well, then it’s actually frequency. No, there’s no association with frequency, I saw it in some research. Then it must be total intake. But in the U.S., sugar consumption continues to go up and caries down. Wait. We are all well over the cariogenic threshold, so it doesn’t matter. Even if it does, people won’t be convinced to change their diets. Better skip that lecture too.
Remember the answer to the old question, “Do I have to floss all my teeth?” “No, just the ones you want to keep.” But flossing isn’t associated with caries is it? Can I say that out loud? It just helps with gingivitis, which isn’t really associated with periodontal disease anymore, either, right?
But you better get your teeth cleaned regularly or you’ll get periodontal disease, or maybe not. Well, at least we know that periodontal disease causes heart disease, preterm birth, and diabetes. So let’s treat the perio and cure the other disease. That seems simple. What do you mean the other diseases don’t change when you treat the perio? That doesn’t make sense. Oh my, it’s so confusing! Mum’s the word.
Well, perhaps I should just stick with the truism that everyone should brush for three minutes and use the proper technique and the right brush, because all plaque has to be removed to prevent decay. What do you mean you can’t remove all the plaque with a brush? Say what? Not all plaque is bad? Can that be? Some people have lots of plaque and no disease? Whoa there! It’s the fluoride that does the trick. So don’t worry about brushing technique — just get the fluoride in there. Does that sound right? So confusing. But is it the topical effect or the systemic? I think I’m back where I started. I still don’t know anything. What are my students to do?
I know. I’ll tell them to send all their patients to have their third molars out. Those things are always trouble.
Robert J. Weyant, DMD, DrPH, is with the Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh.
The Incisal Edge 
Dentist caries and periodontal illness can be prevented by a productive tooth hygiene program. An excellent dentistry hygiene software must include the following:
1. Suitable typical tooth brushing techniques.
2. Correct eating habits and great diet.
3. The use of fluoride h2o and other fluoride-containing substances like toothpastes and mouthwashes.
4. Typical visits to the dentist such as a thorough dentist check-up and prophylaxis.
All these can supply optimum oral well being, no cost from dentistry caries and periodontal illness.
A well balanced diet as well as the limited consumption of meals that contribute to dentist decay are the first measures to some successful dentistry hygiene plan. Our mouth is naturally inhabited by acid forming bacteria. These bacteria feed on starches and sugars. Acid is formed when bacteria act on starch or sugar. The acid formed causes enamel degradation, which may be the starting point of any dentist caries. For this reason, it is crucial to minimize and if achievable, prevent foods which are rich in sugar and starch. Examples of these foods are richly filled pastries, doughnuts and peanut butter. These meals are particularly damaging due to the fact these tend to stick from the tooth surfaces. Sweetened canned fruits with heavy syrup, citrus-flavored candies and sweetened fruit juices are also high in sugar content. Chewing gums, breath sweeteners and carbonated beverages are harmful not mainly because they contain big amounts of sugar but because in the frequency with which they are ingested. Artificially sweetened foods, drinks and chewing gum are greater alternatives.
Standard brushing of the teeth using the proper tactics may be the next step in following a great dentistry hygiene plan. It is advised to brush the teeth two or 3 times a day but if you’re keen on keeping to a great dentist hygiene system, it is often greater to brush after every single meal and following taking any meals in involving. A great brushing technique will remove the foodstuff particles lodged in among the teeth and within the normal pits and fissures from the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This could also remove the plaque that sticks towards the teeth surfaces. Removing the foodstuff particles will also avoid foul breath or halitosis. Halitosis, nevertheless, may also be caused by several other elements including a badly decayed tooth, eating certain kinds of foods like garlic and onions and infections in the tonsils, sinuses or throat. Making use of dental floss to take out food particles trapped in among the teeth is also a extremely significant part of a fantastic dentist hygiene plan. Dentistry floss can take away meal particles lodged in among the teeth that at times even a fantastic tooth brushing technique cannot accomplish. In case you have to have help with any in the tactics listed above, please contact us at any time as we’d be happy to suggest a local Portland Dentist, or yet another one closer to you.
At times ill fitting, old and worn out dentistry appliances like dentures, orthodontic appliances and bridges is usually the source of gum irritation. These dental appliances ought to also be taken cared of in a similar method to natural teeth. All removable dentist appliances must be eliminated after every single meal or snack and ought to be cleaned with a special brush. Don’t let food particles accumulate in these appliances. Rinse the appliance with running h2o when it really is impossible to clean it thoroughly using a brush so that foodstuff particles may be eliminated. Soak the appliance overnight once or twice a week inside a solution of sodium hypochlorite. This answer helps take out stains on the dentist appliance.
The use of fluoride water is an additional essential factor in sustaining good dental hygiene. Most U.S. water systems right now are already treated with fluoride. It has been observed that the use h2o treated with the perfect amount of fluoride can really assist stop tooth caries. Fluoride is discovered to strengthen the enamel. Fluoride may also be topically applied to the teeth to kids ages 13 and below. You will discover also toothpastes and mouthwashes available inside the market nowadays that contains fluoride.
The last step in maintaining great oral hygiene will be the normal visits towards dentist. This ought to begin around the age of three. A visit to the dentist right after each and every six months is recommended. Your dentist will have all the knowledge on how you possibly can keep excellent oral hygiene. He or she will be able to suggest to you any actions or procedures important to maintain and continue enjoying very good dentistry health.
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